3G networks shut down in 2022: Here’s what you need to know (2024)

All major US cellular networks shut down legacy 3G support in 2022. AT&T shut down its 3G GSM network in late February, T-Mobile began shutting down part of its network at the end of March, and Verizon officially sunset its legacy network on December 31.

Now that these changes have taken place, users with older phones will see diminished service or may find themselves unable to connect to their wireless provider entirely. Was your phone affected? Do you still have wireless service now that the changes were made? Keep reading to learn what you have to do to stay connected.

Why were cellular networks changing in 2022?

Wireless networks such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile purchase rights to operate within chunks of wireless spectrum known as network frequencies and bands. Specific network bands can be used by multiple wireless generations such as 3G, 4G, and 5G. However, each network band can only be used for one wireless protocol at a time.

With a finite number of available bands and consumer demand for faster and more widely available 4G and 5G coverage, all major carriers are repurposing spectrum currently allocated to legacy networks for use with their next-generation networks. In other words, legacy 3G networks are going away in order to make 4G and 5G networks better.

Which wireless networks shut down in 2022?

Many legacy wireless networks operated by major US carriers shut down in 2022. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon sunsetted their legacy 3G networks, and T-Mobile has also shut down all support for Sprint 4G LTE devices.

When was the 3G sunset?

• AT&T 3G GSM/UMTS – February 22, 2022
• Sprint 3G CDMA – March 31, 2022
• Sprint 4G LTE – June 30, 2022
• T-Mobile 3G GSM/UMTS – July 1, 2022
• Verizon 3G CDMA – December 31, 2022

Is my phone or wireless device affected?

Any device that relies on a legacy 3G network connection will be affected by the network shutdowns. In addition, legacy Sprint 4G LTE devices that have been grandfathered under the T-Mobile umbrella will also be affected.

This means that older phones such as the iPhone 5S and Galaxy S4 won’t be able to connect to wireless networks after the sunset dates listed above. The same holds true for the majority of Sprint-branded phones that previously connected to the Sprint 4G LTE network. Newer devices such as the iPhone 6 and Galaxy S5 can connect to 4G LTE networks from major carriers – so they should be fine for now, as long as you are happy with your existing network and coverage.

Are other cellular devices affected?

Yes. Any device with a 3G cellular connection or a Sprint 4G LTE connection will be affected by the 2022 3G Shutdown. For example, many automotive-connected devices may be affected, including older OnStar systems and certain remote start systems. If your vehicle features an OnStar system and you wish to find out if you’re affected by the 3G sunset, please refer to the OnStar 3G Network Sunset support page.

Which phones will work after the 3G shutdown?

Apple iPhone Network Compatibility in 2023

In general, 3G iPhones (iPhone 5S and older) won’t work properly after the 3G sunset. Conversely, iPhones starting with the iPhone 6 will continue to work on 4G LTE. Here’s a comprehensive iPhone network support list:

Samsung Network Compatibility in 2023

Older Samsung Galaxy phones such as the Galaxy S4 and earlier won’t work anymore in 2022 and beyond. However, since Samsung was relatively quick to adopt 4G LTE way back in 2014 with the Galaxy S5 (LTE model), the majority of Samsung devices will continue to work through 2022 and beyond.

Google Pixel compatibility in 2023

Every single Google Pixel phone supports 4G LTE. In other words, if you own a Pixel, you won’t be affected by the 3G shutdowns that happened in 2022.

What should I do if I have an older device?

This is the easy part. If you’re currently using an older device, now’s the perfect time to upgrade and preserve your network access. Our best recommendation is to get an unlocked iPhone, an unlocked Samsung phone, or an unlocked Google Pixel with broad network band compatibility. This lets you stay connected through the upcoming changes, and also gives you the freedom to jump between wireless carriers if you ever find a better deal.

iPhone Upgrade Options

Although all US-sold iPhones from the iPhone 6 onward are compatible with the 4G LTE bands used in the US, we suggest going with an unlocked iPhone 11, an unlocked iPhone SE 2020, or something newer. This will get you a relatively modern iPhone with a fast processor, great software features, and access to the very latest iOS 16 software update. And, getting something newer means it should last for longer into the future.

Android Upgrade Options

Things are pretty simple for Android buyers as well. Samsung has offered broad 4G network support on most phones since the Galaxy S5. However, we suggest going a bit newer and getting something like an unlocked Galaxy S10 or unlocked Pixel 4 instead. Just like with the iPhone recommendations above, a cheap Galaxy S10 or Pixel 4 gets you a speedy device with a great camera and access to the very latest Android update.

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